Joan Marie (Manion) Ray-Riley

Joan Marie (Manion) Ray-Riley, beloved Wife, Mother, Grandma, Aunt Joan-ee and to many, “Queenie,” 90, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family in Sylvania, Ohio on February 27, 2025.

Born on January 5, 1935, to John and Creda (O’Neil) Manion in Toledo, Joan’s pride was her family, and she was an exemplary homemaker. She also had a passion for reading and writing poetry. She enjoyed music, singing and dancing. As a strong devoted Catholic, Joan loved helping others through sharing her faith and participated in many church volunteer organizations, especially Charlie’s Angels at Gesu Parish. She believed laughter was always the best medicine. She also enjoyed watching sunsets from the porch of her lake house in Indiana as well as fine dining experiences.

In 1954, Joan married her soulmate, Joseph “Joe” Ray. They led a simple life but knew how to have a fun time with friends and family; especially when she was in the kitchen canning with friends or making her famous whiskey sours. Together they raised their daughter, Jackie. They took annual summer family vacations in Michigan with Jackie and niece (Sara). After Joe’s passing, the family vacation to Mackinaw continued with her cherished grandson (Justin). They enjoyed staying in Mackinaw City with a day trip on the ferry to Mackinac Island. Joan continued her love for travel with her second husband, Everett, as they went on numerous cruises and explored the United States.

Joan was preceded in death by her first husband of 34 years Joseph Richard Ray, her second husband Earl Everett Riley, and special friend William McNeal. Also preceding her in death were her brother, Fr. Dominic “Jack” Manion, sister Mary “Mim” Shroyer and brother Michael “Mike” Manion. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Jackie (Jamile) Shibley; loving grandson, Justin Przymierski; sisters-in-law Cathy Manion and Cathy Ray; along with special nieces Sara (Aaren) LaPoint, Joan Szumigala, Kathy Pawlowski, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other cherished family.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, aides and special caregivers who helped make her final years safe and comfortable.

Visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home (3655 King Road, Sylvania, OH 43560) on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 4:00-7:00pm with the Rosary being said at 7pm. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:30am at Christ The King Catholic Church (4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, OH 43623), followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joan’s memory to Christ The King Church or Cherry Street Mission.

To share a memory of Joan or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.